Jill Skipper is originally from Bordertown, NJ, but currently calls the Lowcountry of South Carolina home. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, with a Health, Medicine and Society minor from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Her interest in public relations and integrated communication started through an internship with the SmartGirls Group her senior year at Lehigh University. To pursue her interest in PR and marketing, Jill decided to join the MCOM cohort to gain more experience and exposure in the field.
Why did you choose the Master of Arts in Communication program at College of Charleston?
I wanted to expand on my major and minor and receive the knowledge I needed in order to pursue an advanced degree in public relations.
Describe a project or experience relevant to your MCOM program of study that you are currently working on or have already accomplished (graduate assistantship, research project, internship, etc.)?
I was able to secure an Internship with Blackbaud (https://www.blackbaud.com/), a nonprofit software firm on Daniel Island. I started with Blackbaud on September 22 as a Corporate Marketing Intern.
What are your plans following graduate school (professional career, doctoral program, personal aspirations, etc.)? Why?
After graduate school my goal is to have a job in either government public relations or public affairs. I am also looking forward to being able to think critically and holistically about ideas while making strategic decisions.
What is one piece of advice that you would give incoming graduate students?
Take a deep breath…often…and remind yourself every day that you can do it.
What is a fun fact about you that most people do not know?
I’ve worked as an ocean lifeguard for the past seven years and I got to meet Tia and Tamara from the popular 90s sitcom Sister Sister while surfing in Hawaii. Also, my grandmother is 6’1” tall. Crazy, I know!
